68 DAYS TO KICKOFF: Luke Hayes

#68 Luke Hayes True Senior 6-6 | 295 Scott City, Kan. Bio

Position: Offensive Line Previous College: Butler Community College Projection: Starter Status: On Scholarship

Luke Hayes (b. Nov. 2, 1993) is an accomplished community college offensive tackle who transitioned nicely to the Division I level and now will look to hold on to his starting spot as a senior.

Hayes, a midyear signee who participated in 2014 spring practices, was voted as a player representative for 2015.

He played in all 13 games last season, making starts in each of the final 12 contests at right guard.

Hayes helped K-State to tally 30 rushing touchdowns (10th most in school history) and finish in the top 25 nationally in nine categories, including team passing efficiency (11th), red-zone offense (14th) and passing offense (16th).

Prior to that, he played two seasons for national power Butler Community College under head coach Troy Morrell, helping the Grizzlies to finish sixth nationally in 2013 with a 9-2 record and second in 2012 with an 11-1 mark.

Hayes earned 2013 second-team National Junior College Athletic Association All-American honors while also being named a first-team All-Jayhawk Conference performer.

He was rated No. 14 nationally among JUCO offensive tackles by ESPN and a three-star recruit by Rivals.com.

Hayes prepped under head coach Glenn O'Neil at Scott City High School, helping the Beavers to win league and district championships in 2011 after they went 11-1.

He played tight end in high school, catching 26 passes for 393 yards and two touchdowns over three seasons, including 15 receptions for 192 yards during his senior campaign.

He chose the Cats over offers from Arizona, Baylor, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan State, N.C. State and West Virginia.